The Programme
Worktrack was a Northern Ireland wide programme designed to assist the long term unemployed to return to work by providing them with temporary employment for up to 26 weeks with appropriate training. All Worktrack participants were paid a wage in line with the national minimum wage and there was the opportunity to work part time or full time. During its first phase from October 1999 until October 2003 Worktrack jobs were actual jobs which had been pre selected. In the second phase from October 2003 until September 2005 suitable job placements were found depending on the customers need - a factor which reflected significantly on the programmes success in the second phase.

The Outcomes
Strabane & District Community Work Programme delivered Worktrack in the Strabane District Council area from October 1999 until its demise in September 2005. During this time 465 people were employed under the programme across the district and with employers from the community, public and social economy sectors and with private employers.

In the first phase placements were largely concentrated on the community sector with outcomes into employment in these years constant at approximately 40%. In the second phase there was a greater emphasis on placing participants with private employers which produced significant increases in the number of successful outcomes which rose to around 57%. A total of 199 individuals obtained employment directly via Worktrack with many more improving their skills and experience as part of a process which would later lead them into employment.